What Does the Bible Say About Parenting?
What Does the Bible Say About Parenting? The Bible calls parents to raise children with love, instruction, discipline, and faith, modeling godliness and teaching God's Word at every opportunity.
Key verse: Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (KJV)
The Bible calls parents to raise children with love, instruction, discipline, and faith, modeling godliness and teaching God's Word at every opportunity.
The Bible calls parents to raise children with love, instruction, discipline, and faith, modeling godliness and teaching God's Word at every opportunity.
"And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children." — Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
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The Biblical Answer
Parenting is one of Scripture's highest callings. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 commands parents to teach God's Word constantly—'when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way.' Proverbs instructs: 'Train up a child in the way he should go' (Proverbs 22:6). Paul balances expectations: 'Fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord' (Ephesians 6:4). Discipline is presented as loving, not harsh: 'whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth' (Hebrews 12:6). Biblical parenting involves consistent instruction (Deuteronomy 6:7), loving discipline (Proverbs 13:24), modeling faith (2 Timothy 1:5), prayer for children (Job 1:5), creating a secure home (Proverbs 31:27), and gradually releasing children into independence. The goal is not control but discipleship—raising children who love God from their own conviction.
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Raising Children?
Biblical wisdom for parenting, discipline, and raising children in the faith.
Key Scripture References
"And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children."
"And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord."
"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Does the Bible Say About Children?
The Bible describes children as a blessing and heritage from the Lord, and commands parents to raise them in the instruction and discipline of God.
What Does the Bible Say About Marriage?
The Bible presents marriage as a sacred covenant between a man and a woman, designed by God to reflect Christ's relationship with the church.
What Does the Bible Say About Divorce?
The Bible teaches that God hates divorce but permits it in cases of sexual immorality and abandonment by an unbelieving spouse.
What Does the Bible Say About Raising Children?
The Bible instructs parents to train children in God's ways through teaching, discipline, love, and personal example.
What Does the Bible Say About Children?
The Bible describes children as a blessing from God, commands parents to raise them in the faith, and records Jesus welcoming and blessing little children.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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Proverbs 22:6 — Meaning & Devotional
Parenting
Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Deuteronomy. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Deuteronomy on day 49 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Does the Bible Say About Parenting?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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